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PETA offers $5,000 reward in search for Fulton eagle's killer

Becky Metrick, Chambersburg
Published 4:58 p.m. ET Sept. 28, 2015

PETA is offering a 5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who fatally shot an immature bald eagle — similar to the one pictured here — that was found Sept. 14 in Fulton County.(Photo: SUBMITTED)

MCCONNELLSBURG >> A week after a bald eagle was shot and died from her injuries, PETA has announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.

On Sept. 14, the young female eagle was found with gunshot wounds through one of her wings and her leg, and suffering from dehydration, malnutrition and broken bones, according to a release from PETA. An additional release from the Pennsylvania Game Commission states that the bird was also suffering from an infection.

Wildlife Conservation Officers are investigating the shooting. As PETA points out the shooting violates the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. PETA is now offering up to $5,000 for anyone who is able to provide information leading to the shooter.

The bird did not have the known markings of a white head and tail because of its young age. Immature eagles can be mottled brown and white, and can be mistaken as vultures or hawks. But it is still against the law to shoot a hawk, eagle or vulture.

"Not only is shooting a young bird and leaving her to die egregiously cruel, it's also a felony," said PETA Senior Director Colleen O'Brien in the release. "PETA is urging anyone with information about this violent act against an American icon to come forward now, before anyone else gets hurt."

Though bald eagles are no longer considered "threatened" under the Game and Wildlife Code, they are protected. As of July, there were 277 bald eagle nests in Pennsylvania, including seven in Franklin County. None were identified in Fulton County.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 814-643-1831.